Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced a notable advancement in India’s space sector with the upcoming launch of the European Union’s Proba-3 satellite in early December. This solar observation mission highlights the strengthening partnership between India and the EU in the fields of space research and innovation, as Dr Singh noted during his address at the 3rd India Space Conclave.

The Proba-3 mission will add to ISRO’s impressive portfolio, which recently celebrated the success of Chandrayaan-3. The satellite, already stationed at Sriharikota, is designed to study the Sun’s corona. It marks India’s third satellite launch for the EU and highlights ISRO’s reputation as a trusted partner in global space missions.

During the conclave, Dr Jitendra Singh attributed this progress to policy reforms introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2020, which encouraged private investment and international collaboration. This policy shift has driven the rapid expansion of India’s space sector, fostering an ecosystem that now boasts over 300 space-focused startups, generating jobs and reversing the brain drain by attracting Indian talent back from international agencies.

EU Ambassador to India, Mr Herve Delphin, applauded the Indo-EU partnership, calling India a “natural partner” in space exploration. He emphasised that both entities are committed to peaceful space utilization, highlighting cooperative projects like the Copernicus Earth observation program. The Ambassador also pointed to the upcoming 2025 EU-India Summit as an opportunity to strengthen ties further, focusing on areas like space security and responsible space governance.

Looking ahead, India’s space ambitions include the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission and the establishment of a space station by 2035. Dr Singh also noted India’s plans for a lunar landing and potential space tourism by 2040, reflecting a forward-looking approach that integrates private and international partnerships.

At the conclave, Dr Singh also unveiled SPADE, an innovation by Suhora Technologies, and presented the ISpA Space Industry Awards, celebrating the strides in India’s space sector. Key figures like ISRO Chairman S. Somnath and ISpA Chairman Jayant Patil were present, emphasizing the momentum in India’s rapidly growing space ecosystem.

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Dr Singh concluded by reiterating India’s vision for the future, envisioning space as a driver for scientific and economic growth as the country approaches its centenary in 2047. The upcoming Proba-3 launch not only strengthens Indo-EU relations but also demonstrates India’s capabilities as a global leader in space exploration and innovation.

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